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Paving of Jefferson Street was underway on Wednesday. Bug Day Officials say it will help to have Jefferson paved, even though Hwy. 68 won't be ready. Below, packing down the new road.

By Gayle VanVooren and Byron Higgin

“Can you believe this?” questioned Boxelder Bug Days Chairperson Scott Josephson, after the heavy rains and slowed up work schedule for Northdale Construction. “We thought everything was going to be set for Bug Days, but we are now scrambling,” added the harried festival organizer.

Up until last week’s rains, between 9-11 inches in two days, the Bug Committee and Northdale Construction officials were quite sure they’d have the community ready to resume a regular Bug Days event.But when the rains came and construction came to a halt, and with Highway 68 torn-up, the Bug Committee has decided to move almost all of the activities to the area behind Bubba’s Bar and C.J.’s Bar and Grill. “We’ll move the staging and everything,” said Josephson, “so that we can stay on the north side of Highway 68.” This has been a most unusual summer — some indicating 25-35 inches of rain in an area that doesn’t normally see that much all year.ect done by October 1, but that date may be in jeopardy after the recent rains.

The inflatables will be in a different area, near Second Street, and the food vendors will be added to spots where electrical needs are accessible. Other changes include: •Petting Zoo behind Rick’s Taxidermy and Bait;•Bean Bat Tourney near Greg Bauer’s repair;•Claire Eckly and the Icelandic Association and Erik Gile, Wildlife Artist at The Big Store.•National Guard Climbing Wall at Greg Bauer’s.Some of the venues will remain the same, including:•The garden tractor pull will still be south of Memorial Park.•The golf ball roll will still be near the elevator on their sloping area.•The pancake feed on Sunday will be at the Fire Hall.•The Royalty Brunch will take place at the Senior Center on Sunday at 11 a.m.•The bull riding will still take place at Minneota Building Materials grounds.Also: The elevator area will be used for parking. Watch for signs.•Don’t park vehicles behind C’J’s and Bubba’s after noon on Friday to allow for setup.

The Grand ParadeThe parade route was still to be decided, but may come down Adams and turn east on Second Street instead of heading onto Highway 68. This will be a deviation, but will still insure safety.

•It was also reported by Josephson that another event has been added to the long listing of education/entertainment. Chet Yackley will be coming to town to show us his chain saw carving.